When is Children in Need 2017?

Who is taking part in the Rickshaw Challenge this year?

The Rickshaw challenge features a diverse and inspiring group of young people from all different backgrounds.

Ben, 16, is from North Wales and he currently helps to care for his older sister, 27, who has Cockayne Syndrome (CS). This is a condition that gets progressively worse and began in her early teens. Amy & Friends is a project start by their mother and the BBC’s Children in Need funding and enabled the project to support others affected by CS.

Greg is an 18-year-old from Dunfermline and had a very difficult upbringing. He was often on his own, regularly went hungry and didn’t have much in the way of emotional support. BBC Children In Need introduced Greg to his foster family when he was at his lowest point and made sure he was cared for and wasn’t ever alone.

Liv, 19, lost her father to pancreatic cancer after an eight-month battle. The teen, from Stockport, struggled with his terminal illness and found it very difficult to deal with emotionally, sparking feelings of sadness and anger. Liv received bereavement support from a Children In Need funded counsellor and helped her come to terms with her loss.

Luke is a 17-year-old with cerebral palsy. Despite having to go through major leg surgery and lots of rehab he has always managed to stay positive. He says the Stick ‘n’ Step project, which offers physiotherapy, support and education, helped him meet his considerable school achievements.

Sabah is eighteen years old and was diagnosed with cancer when she was just a baby. She had both kidneys and part of her lungs removed at one point, with just a 13% chance of survival. Sadly, in 2013 her kidney suffered damage and she needs to undergo dialysis as she waits for a donor. She is supported by Same But Different, another project funded by BBC’s Children In Need.

Shona, 17, has been diagnosed with Niemann-Pick Type C which is a neurodegenerative condition that affects many aspects of her life from movement to talking and eating. A UK project, part funded by Children In Need, gives Shona and her family much needed practical and emotional support.

What does Children in Need do?

Children In Need makes a difference to the lives of children across the UK by providing grants to projects which focus on disadvantaged young people.

Those who benefit from the funds raised include victims of abuse or neglect, disabled young people and those experiencing poverty and deprivation.

The BBC Children In Need Appeal Night takes place every year in November and provides an entire evening of entertainment.

In the past, the lineup has included EastEnders, Doctor Who, Strictly Come Dancing and much more.

How can I donate or fundraise for Children In Need?

You can order a fundraising kit on the official website which includes items such as a poster, sponsorship form and Pudsey collection box.

You can also donate by PayPal or card online.

Alex Jones get emotional as Team Rickshaw finish another tough day in the saddle on The One Show